Name: Spicy Crispy Tofu Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 14 oz extra-firm tofu, drained and pressed; 3 tablespoons cornstarch; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce; 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger; 1 scallion, sliced; Sesame seeds and chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)

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If you’re searching for a dinner that truly delivers on flavor, crunch, and that perfect satisfying heat, this Spicy Crispy Tofu is bound to become your new favorite. Each bite is a harmonious blend of golden, crunchy tofu—pan-fried to irresistible crispiness—tossed in a vibrant chili garlic sauce with just enough sweetness and tang to keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re a tofu pro or cooking it for the first time, this recipe turns a simple block of tofu into a restaurant-worthy dish right at home. Let’s dive in and discover the joys of Spicy Crispy Tofu!

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this dish shine is how each ingredient brings something truly special to the table—crispy texture, bold flavor, a touch of heat, and a delightful finish of color and freshness. Here’s what you’ll want for that signature Spicy Crispy Tofu magic:

Extra-firm tofu (14 oz): The key to that satisfying crunch, with enough body to hold up through frying and tossing in sauce.
Cornstarch (3 tablespoons): Helps coat each tofu cube, locking in crispiness and preventing sogginess.
Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds deep umami flavor and brings just the right level of saltiness to the sauce.
Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): Brightens the dish with tang and balances any heat from the chili garlic sauce.
Chili garlic sauce (1 tablespoon): Packs aromatic heat and bold flavor, making every bite popcorn-worthy.
Maple syrup or honey (1 tablespoon): Offers the perfect touch of sweetness to temper the spice.
Sesame oil (1 teaspoon): Lends a nutty aroma and rounds out the sauce in a subtle way.
Vegetable oil for frying (2 tablespoons): Ensures a golden crust; use an oil with a high smoke point for best results.
Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Sizzled in the skillet for extra depth and savory goodness.
Fresh ginger, grated (1 teaspoon): Adds a spicy, citrusy zip that’s irresistible here.
Scallion, sliced (1): Sprinkled overtop for freshness and color contrast.
Sesame seeds and chopped cilantro (optional): These are perfect for that final flourish and a little extra texture.

How to Make Spicy Crispy Tofu

Step 1: Prepare and Press the Tofu

Start by draining your extra-firm tofu and pressing it to remove as much moisture as possible—a key step for achieving that incredible crispy finish. Wrap the tofu block in paper towels, sandwich it between two plates, and pop something heavy on top for about 10–15 minutes. This gets rid of excess water, ensuring every cube fries up beautifully.

Step 2: Cube and Coat

Once your tofu is pressed, cut it into neat 1-inch cubes. Now, gently toss these cubes in a bowl with cornstarch. Make sure each piece gets evenly coated—the cornstarch is what gives Spicy Crispy Tofu its signature shattering crunch that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Step 3: Fry Until Golden

Heat your vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the tofu cubes in a single layer, leaving some space so they don’t steam each other. Let them crisp for about 3–4 minutes per side. Rotate each piece so you get golden, crunchy perfection on all sides. Once they’re crispy and irresistible, scoop them out onto a plate and set aside.

Step 4: Mix Up the Sauce

While the tofu is resting, quickly whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili garlic sauce, maple syrup (or honey), and sesame oil in a small bowl. This is your flavor-packed sauce—sweet, savory, tangy, and spicy, all at once! It’s what takes Spicy Crispy Tofu from tasty to totally unforgettable.

Step 5: Sauté Aromatics and Sauce

Using the same skillet (don’t waste that flavor!), lower the heat to medium and add your minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant, then pour in your prepared sauce. Let it bubble and thicken ever so slightly, stirring, for about 1–2 minutes. You’ll see the sauce get glossy—time to move to the final step!

Step 6: Toss Tofu in the Sauce

Add your crispy tofu cubes back into the skillet, tossing them gently in the sauce until each piece is generously coated. Let them cook together for another minute, so the tofu absorbs that gorgeous flavor. That’s it—your Spicy Crispy Tofu is ready to serve!

How to Serve Spicy Crispy Tofu

Garnishes

The right garnish can take this dish from weeknight staple to “Wow, you made this?!” Try a sprinkle of sliced scallions, toasted sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro—each adds a pop of flavor, color, and a little crunch that pairs perfectly with the tofu’s spicy exterior.

Side Dishes

For a balanced meal, serve your Spicy Crispy Tofu over fluffy steamed rice or your favorite noodles. Jasmine rice is classic, while brown rice or quinoa gives a wholesome twist. For veggie-lovers, try a quick stir-fry of snow peas, broccoli, or bell peppers on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to mix things up? Pile Spicy Crispy Tofu into lettuce cups for a fresh, handheld appetizer, or wrap them up in warm tortillas with slaw for a spicy tofu taco night. This tofu is even amazing as a topping for salads or tucked into grain bowls with roasted vegetables.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store your Spicy Crispy Tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The tofu will soften slightly, but the flavors get even better as they mingle in the sauce.

Freezing

While tofu can technically be frozen, the texture of previously fried and sauced Spicy Crispy Tofu may change once thawed—becoming a bit chewier and less crisp. If you prefer a firmer, meatier bite, you can freeze the plain tofu cubes before cooking, but as a finished dish, freezing isn’t ideal for crispiness.

Reheating

To bring back that delicious crunch, reheat Spicy Crispy Tofu in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce if needed to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the tofu rubbery.

FAQs

What makes tofu crispy in this recipe?

Cornstarch is the secret weapon! Tossing the tofu cubes in cornstarch before frying creates a light, crunchy coating that becomes perfectly golden and crispy when fried in hot oil.

Can I make this Spicy Crispy Tofu gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply swap out the soy sauce for a gluten-free alternative like tamari. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you won’t miss a beat.

How spicy is Spicy Crispy Tofu?

This recipe offers a pleasant kick, thanks to the chili garlic sauce. If you prefer yours milder, just reduce the amount, or increase for extra heat—taste as you go and adjust to your spice comfort zone!

Is it necessary to press the tofu before cooking?

Yes, pressing is crucial! Removing excess moisture helps the tofu fry up crispy and prevents it from splattering in the oil, ensuring that every piece gets that satisfying crunch.

Can I bake or air-fry the tofu instead of pan-frying?

Definitely! For a lighter alternative, arrange your cornstarch-coated tofu cubes on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway. The air fryer also works wonders for a crispy texture with less oil.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you’ll give this Spicy Crispy Tofu a try—you’ll be amazed at how something so easy to make can pack so much flavor and texture into every bite. Whether you serve it with rice, in tacos, or all on its own, it’s always a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Happy cooking, and let your kitchen be filled with the bold, mouthwatering aroma of this Spicy Crispy Tofu!

Spicy Crispy Tofu Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 2–3 servings 1x
Diet: Vegan

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Description

Learn how to make Spicy Crispy Tofu, a delicious vegan stir-fry dish with a perfect blend of flavors and textures. Crispy tofu cubes are coated in a spicy sauce, creating a satisfying meal that pairs well with rice or noodles.

Ingredients

Scale

Tofu:

14 oz extra-firm tofu, drained and pressed

Sauce:

3 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce
1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
1 teaspoon sesame oil

Other:

2 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1 scallion, sliced
Sesame seeds and chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cut the tofu: Cut the pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes.
Coat tofu: Toss tofu cubes with cornstarch until evenly coated.
Fry tofu: Cook tofu in vegetable oil until golden and crispy.
Make sauce: Whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili garlic sauce, maple syrup, and sesame oil.
Sauté aromatics: Cook garlic and ginger, then add the sauce.
Combine: Add tofu to the sauce and cook until coated.
Garnish and serve: Garnish with scallions, sesame seeds, and cilantro. Serve hot with rice or noodles.